The Bishop's Blog

Thoughts and reflections from Bishop John Harvey Taylor

Pilgrimage and going blue

Pilgrimage and going blue

Pilgrims Ron, Michelle, Matt, and Catherine watching live Los Angeles Dodgers opening day action over breakfast Friday morning from Jerusalem. Jesus performed many miracles, but never this!

Daily prayer: For the nation

Daily prayer: For the nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with...

Pilgrimage album

Pilgrimage album

A few from my album as a life-changing pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine comes to an end. More reflections to follow en route home Friday.

Daily prayer: Thursday in the fifth week of Lent

Daily prayer: Thursday in the fifth week of Lent

O God, you have called us to be your children, and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from...

Prayers at the Western Wall

Prayers at the Western Wall

On this rainy Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem, I found a snug, dry spot in the Western Wall for the prayers and intercessions of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, as posted on Facebook during...

Daily prayer: Prayers in the Holy Land

Daily prayer: Prayers in the Holy Land

"The church isn't the building, it's the people," despite having the considerable virtue of being true, is among my least favorite axioms. The family is the people, not the house. But I advise you...

Daily prayer: For shooting victims in Nashville

Daily prayer: For shooting victims in Nashville

Dear Lord, your son lamented because those in authority in Jerusalem killed the prophets you sent. All he wanted was to gather your children in safety, as a hen gathers her brood. In Jerusalem, we...

Bethlehem and ‘The West Wing’

Bethlehem and ‘The West Wing’

I’m having a major “West Wing” fuzzy as I wait with fellow Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles pilgrims to enter the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The episode where Toby reconciles with his dad,...

Pilgrimage in a time of agony

Pilgrimage in a time of agony

We are on pilgrimage in a nation in agony, gripped by the crisis of Israel’s right-wing government’s attempt to take over the judiciary. Agony is not a new experience for Palestinian Arabs living in...

Daily prayer: Fifth Sunday in Lent in Nazareth

Daily prayer: Fifth Sunday in Lent in Nazareth

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and...

Daily prayer: The Annunciation

Daily prayer: The Annunciation

Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the...